International

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

Discrimination against any person on the basis of disability is a violation of the inherent dignity and worth of the human person.—Preamble to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) was passed by the UN General Assembly in December of 2006 and came into force on May 3, 2008. The CRPD is one of the nine human rights treaties of the United Nations. It signifies a change in the perception of people with disabilities as objects of charity and protection to individuals who have rights that must be respected and guaranteed by states.

CRPD, also known as The Disability Treaty, defines the rights of people with disabilities following 8 basic principles:

Respect for inherent dignity, individual autonomy including the freedom to make one’s own choices, and independence of persons

Non-discrimination

Full and effective participation and inclusion in society

Respect for difference and acceptance of persons with disabilities as part of human diversity and humanity

Equality of opportunity

Accessibility

Equality between men and women

Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities

AAPD monitors the Disability Treaty’s progress and promotes the international fulfillment of the rights of people with disabilities. For more information and resources on the treaty you can visit the United Nations website and DisabilityTreaty.org as well as view a captioned video of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on November 5, 2013.

The United States signed the Disability Treaty on July 30, 2009. The treaty has yet to be ratified (approved) by the Senate. AAPD plays a central role in crafting strategy related to the passage of the Disability Treaty through the United States Senate.